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Antonio Doblas - Sevilla Official Tourist Guide
Phone and Fax: (00-34) 954909741 / Mobile Phone: (00-34) 616253798
E-mail: adoblasg@terra.es
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Sevilla with Children
SURELY the Moors did not have an energetic 5-year-old in mind when they built Seville’s sumptuous palace. But the illustrious inhabitants — from caliphs and conquistadors to flamenco dancers in their frilly skirts — seem to have conspired over the centuries to turn it into the kind of place where children easily can find an adventure.
History lessons sink in by accident while climbing towers, playing hide-and-seek in lush gardens or sailing along a river that once teemed with Spanish galleons. Much of the medieval Jewish quarter is a whitewashed maze devoid of traffic. And the traditional taste for cool inner courtyards means that even historical sites have ample outdoor space to romp.
Somber Gothic cathedrals don’t usually top the list of child-friendly attractions, but Seville’s should not be missed. It has a cheerful courtyard filled with bitter orange trees. But the highlight for children is the Giralda, a 35-story bell tower that was originally a minaret. The climb is painless; the Moors built the tower with ramps instead of stairs, children love it.
A must-see for most adults is the Reales Alcázares, a Muslim palace that was taken over and expanded by Christian kings. It is filled with lacy plasterwork and ceramic tiles. Children can run around the exuberant gardens, where they will find a former labyrinth and patios or search for stars, animals and Arabic inscriptions hidden in the rich décor. The palace is plenty of pools with huge carps where they can feed them.
Anyone who likes to play dress-up will enjoy wandering through the quaint Santa Cruz district, the medieval Jewish quarter. The narrow streets are lined with gift shops selling polka-dot flamenco dresses.
María Luisa Park is an expanse of tropical gardens, fountains and romantic pavilions. To explore it, you can rent a bike or buggy. Perfect place is America Square with many doves.
Budding explorers can embark on a one-hour cruise, past the former docks where explorers such as Magellan began their voyages. The ships have shaded decks and leave from the Torre del Oro every half hour, year round.
It is unlikely that a young horse lover will fail to notice the handsome horse-drawn buggies stationed at most monuments. The 45-minute circuit offers a romantic overview of the city.
Isla Mágica (www.islamagica.es), an amusement park with a looping roller coaster and several water rides next to La Cartuja monastery, where Columbus stayed before his final voyage, is a good place for children to let off steam. Not surprisingly, the park is filled with references to the discovery of the Americas, including a mock Spanish galleon.
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Last
Updated: November 8, 2006
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